Steve Bruce quits as Hull City manager over transfer budget
The 55-year-old’s departure just three weeks before the start of the new Premier League season has left supporters stunned.
Bruce led City to promotion last May but warned in the immediate aftermath of the Wembley victory over Sheffield Wednesday that he had to take time before deciding whether to stay at the club.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdConcerns over the transfer budget and the on-going talks over a possible takeover were behind the former Manchester United captain taking time to consider his future.
He did return for pre-season at the start of this month after being told the club’s transfer and wages budget for the campaign.
Bruce, having tailored his recruitment plans to the money at his disposal, hoped the new arrivals would soon get under way as talks began with Hal Robson-Kanu and Bordeaux defender Lamine Sane.
However, City are still yet to make a signing and sources have indicated that relations between manager and board soured sufficiently over this lack of recruitment that Bruce, after much deliberation, felt he had no option but to walk away.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe playing squad was informed of the news at training this morning and are said to be “distraught” by the development.
Today’s events mean Hull surely have to move quickly to try and bring in a replacement. City head to Scunthorpe United tomorrow with just 11 fit outfield senior players following a spate of injuries.
Roy Keane and Ryan Giggs are among the early favourites to succeed Bruce at the KCOM Stadium.